Rimutaka Rail Trail Cycle Tour from Wellington. Discover the Rimutaka area’s rich rail history and natural beauty on an easy, all-inclusive, 6 hour mountain biking day trip. The flagship of the Rimutaka Cycle Trail, this trail is suitable for riders of all levels. Cycle through native, bird-filled forest, over bridges and through tunnels while enjoying views of the natural landscape and the old railway system. Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch at the Summit and embark on a fun (but easily controllable) descent to Cross Creek in the Wairarapa, home to some of New Zealand’s most scenic farmland. You will be provided with everything you will need for your adventure, so all you need to do is turn up in appropriate clothing and be ready to ride!

Discover the Rimutaka area’s rich rail history and natural beauty on an easy, all-inclusive, 6 hour mountain biking day trip. The flagship of the Rimutaka Cycle Trail, this trail is suitable for riders of all levels. Cycle through native, bird-filled forest, over bridges and through tunnels while enjoying views of the natural landscape and the old railway system. Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch at the Summit and embark on a fun (but easily controllable) descent to Cross Creek in the Wairarapa, home to some of New Zealand’s most scenic farmland.

You will be provided with everything you will need for your adventure, so all you need to do is turn up in appropriate clothing and be ready to ride!

Discover the Rimutaka area’s rich rail history and natural beauty on an easy, all-inclusive, 6 hour mountain biking day trip. The flagship of the Rimutaka Cycle Trail, this trail is suitable for riders of all levels. Cycle through native, bird-filled forest, over bridges and through tunnels while enjoying views of the natural landscape and the old railway system. Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch at the Summit and embark on a fun (but easily controllable) descent to Cross Creek in the Wairarapa, home to some of New Zealand’s most scenic farmland.

You will be provided with everything you will need for your adventure, so all you need to do is turn up in appropriate clothing and be ready to ride!

Enjoy a 9am shuttle pick up from your hotel in Wellington, from here you’ll take an approximately 30 minute drive up to the start of the trails. Along the way, you’ll be briefed as to what to expect on the trails and from the day. You’ll have the choice of starting at Maymorn (a 25km ride), or from Kaitoke (an 18km ride, recommended for those less confident or wanting to cruise and take their time).

Once you have reached the cycling path, you’ll be set up with a modern mountain bike specially selected and customized for these trails. These bikes come equipped with comfortable seats and grips, quality components, headlights for the tunnels, and a rear carrier rack with pannier unit, so you can take your personal effects without needing a bulky backpack. You'll also receive a delicious picnic lunch and bottled water, as well as, maps and safety equipment. After a quick safety briefing, your adventure will begin!

On the trail, you’ll start by cycling through the native bird-filled Pakuratahi Forest. Follow an old railway line over bridges and through tunnels, while pausing, if you like, to check out information stations detailing the enormous task of constructing the “Fell” railway system - a first for New Zealand at the time, and one of only a few around the world. Once you reach the summit, you will stop for a picnic lunch on a large grassy plateau next to the remnants of a historic station. After lunch, enjoy an exhilarating (but easily controllable!) descent to Cross Creek in the Wairarapa, with views of some of New Zealand’s stunning farming heartland. Here you will be picked up by shuttle and enjoy the scenic one hour drive back to Wellington. You will be returned back to your hotel around 3pm.